Page 69 of Theirs to Corrupt

He fists my hair, holding me tight as he deepens the kiss.

I cling to him, gripping the fabric of his shirt, feeling his strength, his power.

I’m lost in the moment, in him.

Suddenly the main door to our suite opens. Then it closes with a sharp, starling click, making me pull back.

Pax stands there, arms folded, dressed in a suit. “Am I interrupting something?”

CHAPTER SIXTEEN

Tessa

Wide-eyed, as if I’ve been caught doing something I shouldn’t, I meet his gaze.

Slowly Link releases me, sliding his hands from my hair to my shoulders, grounding me.

Then he turns to Pax. “Glad you’re back. And no, you’re not interrupting. Tessa had a bad dream, and we were enjoying a glass of wine.”

“And thinking about the honeymoon?” Pax asks.

“Among other things,” Link acknowledges.

My heart races, and I’m acutely aware of Pax’s presence and the way his green eyes assess the situation, and me.

“Join us?” Link offers.

Join us?

“Wine?”

“Whiskey,” Pax responds. But instead of waiting on Link, he crosses to the bar area and splashes the amber liquor into a glass.

Regarding me, Pax takes a slow sip, then sets the glass down on the nearby table. He disappears into his room, returning moments later without his suit coat or shoulder holster.

His shirt sleeves are rolled back, revealing the strength of his forearms. Without his armor, he seems approachable, more human.

He joins Link and me at the window, and I drink in his scent—of lethal power and determination.

“Where were you?” Pax asks Link.

“Getting to know our future bride,” Link replies, his eyes never leaving my face.

“Excellent idea,” Pax agrees, voice a purr of approval.

I’m unsure what to do, how to navigate this foreign dynamic.

Link turns me to face Pax. Then he moves in behind me, his warmth radiating against me.

“You okay with me joining you?” Pax asks.

My voice seems stuck in my throat. “Yes.”

“Tell me to stop at any time.”

Whatever he—they—are offering, I desperately want.

I nod.

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